Jen O’Brien

Jen O’Brien is a runner, fitness instructor, and social organizer for group runs on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. You’ll see her contagious smile at many local events, especially all the Algonquin Ultras races.

How long have you been a runner? 
I have been a runner since 2015 when I haphazardly signed up for a 5k with zero training. Immediately after completing that race, I signed up for a 10k, then over the next few years it just kind of escalated to the 50k distance. After a while, thankfully I did learn training was important.

What do you enjoy most about running? 
I love the adventure and the people this one crazy decision brought into my life. Without the simple act of putting one foot in front of another, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many people from all different backgrounds. The running community celebrates your wins and lifts you up when you’re down.
During longer difficult distance races, you have to do a lot of problem solving so there’s the mental challenge. Also, with certain distances the physical challenge builds confidence, which rolls into other facets of your life. I love the places, trails and even animals that you normally would miss riding in a car. I really enjoy following the ultra running community and backyard events because it’s a lot of normal people, with normal lives achieving extraordinary things and that’s inspiring to me. I’ve also had the privilege (and challenge haha) to train and run a few races with our rescue dog, Luna. She’s all about races and loves the attention.
I really love all of it. Except humidity and biting flies.

You call your running group the Rural Runners of Virginia. Tell us more. 
Originally it stemmed from a few of us that went to the same gym in Onancock, Virginia maybe 10-12 years ago.
There was a casual group that would get together for a 5k on Sundays. There have been various versions of us getting together throughout the years, depending on what races folks have signed up for. We started doing run/walk intervals several years ago to accommodate all different paces. Fast folks might end up with a little more distance but it keeps everyone together.
It’s a low-key way to get some easy miles in, socialize, then go about your day. We primarily run around the Onancock area but take field trips to run other areas of the shore, so we’re unofficially officially the Rural Runners ESVA. We only ask one question to prospective members and funny enough it has absolutely nothing to do with running.

Do you cross train?
I am a group fitness instructor at the Chincoteague YMCA so my cross training is built into my schedule. I have been a Pound and Ampd Burn instructor for 7 years which isn’t something I saw coming, being the kid who hated to lead gym class.
I love my crew at the Y. They never let me slack off, they keep me inspired and I’ve made a lot of great friends over the years.

You post a lot of delicious baked goods and farm stand food on social media. Is this your full-time job?
My full time job is working my family’s farmstand, Thorntons’ Produce. I’m Google maps, Yelp, AllRecipes and a cashier rolled into one. I do some small batch cottage baking as well. Mostly sweet potato biscuits, breads and cookies. I like being creative and runners love carbs so it fits.

Any favorite gear to recommend? 
My favorite gear is my hydration vest Osprey Dyna 1.5 but really any well-fitting vest is a game changer if you want to run long. My friends call it my Mary Poppins vest. I’m ready for most anything the road or trail will throw us. I also swear by Tailwind Recovery drink for after longer runs. It’s not gear but works wonders for soreness when your mileage goes up.

What’s next on your schedule? 
Next on my schedule is Pemberton 24 (yay!) with my goals being simply surviving and having a great time.